Seven Key Highlights from Donald Trump’s Address to US Congress
Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy speech before Congress, declaring his return to office as the start of “the most successful era” in American history. Speaking to both the House of Representatives and the Senate, he claimed that his administration had achieved more in 43 days than others do in four or eight years. His remarks were met with loud applause from Republicans, while Democrats responded with protests.
Here are the key takeaways from Trump’s speech:
1. A Crackdown on the Federal Workforce
Trump criticized government agencies for wasteful spending and claimed that his administration was exposing inefficiencies. He highlighted projects he considered unnecessary, arguing that the bureaucracy focuses too much on diversity programs rather than essential services. However, spending in areas aligned with his priorities, such as immigration enforcement and military funding, was left unchallenged.
2. Attacks on Immigrants and Nativist Rhetoric
Trump repeated his hardline stance on immigration, pushing for more deportations and stricter border security. He linked immigration to crime and national security threats, despite data showing that undocumented immigrants commit fewer violent crimes than U.S.-born citizens. He also invited family members of crime victims to reinforce his message of a country under siege.
3. Brief Mentions of Ukraine and Gaza
While Trump campaigned on ending foreign conflicts, his speech only briefly touched on Ukraine and Gaza. He claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent him a letter seeking peace but did not elaborate on U.S. support. Regarding the Middle East, he praised the Abraham Accords and announced efforts to bring home American hostages from Gaza but made no mention of the devastation in Palestinian territories.
4. Democrats Struggle to Respond
Democratic lawmakers largely remained seated during the speech, holding signs challenging Trump’s claims but offering no strong counter-message. Some booed, and Representative Al Green was expelled for his protests. However, their lack of a united response fueled criticism that they are still recovering from their 2024 election loss.
5. Push for ‘Beautiful’ Tariffs
Trump doubled down on tariffs, calling them a way to restore economic balance. He defended new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, despite concerns about trade wars. He insisted that higher tariffs would bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and downplayed concerns over price hikes.
6. Pledge to Tackle Inflation
Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for rising costs, especially the price of eggs, and promised government action to lower them. His administration announced a $1 billion plan to support farmers and increase egg imports. However, avian flu outbreaks, which caused the price surge, continue under his leadership, with no new scientific measures proposed to address the issue.
7. Capture of a Key Terror Suspect
Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured Muhammed Sharifullah, the man accused of orchestrating the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 American soldiers. He vowed swift justice, stating that the suspect was being transported to the U.S. for trial.
Trump’s speech reinforced his familiar themes of nationalism, economic protectionism, and hardline immigration policies, setting the stage for more political battles ahead.
